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Corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities have become increasingly prevalent in retail settings. In franchised organizations, franchisors typically design and coordinate these activities, leaving operational execution to franchisees. Meanwhile, franchisors may introduce new corporate-led CSR activities over time. Even though changes to CSR activities may refocus outlets' attention on a CSR initiative, they may also disrupt an outlet's ongoing CSR routines. Using a longitudinal, secondary dataset consisting of an eight-year panel for a national, franchised restaurant chain, we examine CSR performance dynamics in the presence of two distinct types of CSR activities: an ongoing CSR routine and a distinct, temporary CSR campaign. We find that, when resuming the CSR routine after a temporary CSR campaign, outlets' performance in CSR routines drops significantly (i.e., immediate decay), then improves gradually (i.e., protracted recovery). We also consider the moderating role of an outlet's experience, finding that experience stabilizes these decay and recovery cycles. Our findings represent a first step in developing a longitudinal understanding of how a firm's short-term CSR campaigns may impact ongoing CSR routines, thus contributing to the knowledge of CSR activity development and routinization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Self-medication practices involve the use of medications without healthcare professional requests. The threat of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused the practice of a fittest to survive action, with the assumption that something is better than nothing. Moreover, owing to the lack of effective treatment for COVID-19, the general public has shifted toward self-medication and symptomatic treatment, with approximately 80% of people stockpiling medication for use during the pandemic. Thus, this study aimed to assess the factors associated with self-medication practices during the COVID-19 pandemic crisis in southwestern Ethiopia. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study design was employed at selected drug retail outlets in southwestern Ethiopia for 415 community pharmacy clients from July 1, 2021, to September 1, 2021. Purposive sampling techniques were employed to select five drug retail outlets on the basis of high patient flows, and we took the study participants until the required quota allotted to each selected drug retail outlet had been filled. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were employed to identify factors associated with self-medication. AORs with 95% CIs were used to report associations, and the level of significance was set at P < 0.05. Results: Self-medication was significantly associated with being female (AOR 3.51, 95% CI 1.04–12.41), having a college education or above (AOR 47, 95% CI 4.32–55.21), time wastage at public health facilities (AOR 2.71, 95% CI 3.47–5.21), being afraid of contracting COVID-19 (AOR 0.006, 95% CI 0.004–0.185), and having high fees at public health facility (AOR 0.006, 95% CI 0.004–0.185). The most frequently used medications to treat or prevent the COVID-19 pandemic were analgesics (42.4%) and cold medicines (29.5%). Headache (22.2%), fever (13.2%), respiratory infection (14.3%), and cold (21.4%) were the most frequently reported symptoms of the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion: This study revealed high self-medication practices among study area residents during the COVID-19 pandemic. The primary reasons for self-medication in the context of COVID-19 are fear of the pandemic and time wastage at public health facilities. Therefore, special attention should be given to educating public and health care providers on the types of illnesses that can be self-diagnosed and self-treated and the types of drugs to be used for self-medication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research from both managerial branding and social semiotics has acknowledged the construction of space for retail establishments, while the experiential turn in brand practice has resulted in the more deliberate use of space to build identifiable characteristics across outlets. As a "retail apocalypse" has been sweeping across the U.S., forcing numerous chains and malls to close, these outlets often leave a host of brand-identifying materials behind after their closing. As the materials were once used to define the space and communicate a brand identity, they continue to do so in the afterlife of stores, forcing future tenants and the surrounding community to deal with the remains from the former capitalistic enterprises. Using a reflexive, visual ethnography, this paper shows how the materials used for brand purposes outlast establishments and pose obstacles for new tenants by casting a shadow and structuring new tenants as subordinate or lesser than the original outlets. The increased use of branded spaces coupled with the extensive closure of retail outlets has made this a pressing concern as communities need to deal with the trash departing retails have left behind. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Methods Results Discussion and Conclusions We examined the prevalence of price promotions (i.e., proportion of products on price promotion) and the magnitude of price promotions (i.e., size of the price discount compared to the regular price) among online alcohol retailers.In August 2023, we web‐scraped product information for all alcoholic beverages available for sale in the online stores of two leading alcohol retailers in Sydney, Australia. Products were classified into five primary alcohol categories: wine, spirits, beer, cider and premix drinks. We considered three types of price promotion: temporary price discounts (e.g., ‘was $5 now $4’), multi‐buy discounts (e.g., buy one get one free) and ‘any six’ discounts (e.g., 5% off when purchased in a bundle of any six similar products). The prevalence and mean magnitude of price promotions were estimated overall and by product category and price promotion type.In total, data for 11,184 products were collected. Of these, 62% were the subject of at least one of the assessed forms of price promotion. The most frequently price‐promoted category was wine (91% of products), followed by spirits (35%), premix drinks (30%), cider (28%) and beer (21%). Of all price promotions, 61% were ‘any six’ discounts, 31% were temporary price discounts, and 7% were multi‐buy discounts. Across all price promotions, the mean magnitude of price discount relative to the regular price was 11% and ranged from less than 1% to 71%.Policymakers should consider restricting price promotions as part of a suite of strategies to reduce alcohol‐related harms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the concept of Mobility as a Service (MaaS), which is a digital platform that allows users to plan, book, and pay for various types of transportation services. MaaS is seen as a way to achieve sustainability objectives by reducing private car ownership and traffic congestion. However, there is limited evidence on how MaaS has contributed to these objectives. The article highlights the challenges facing MaaS, including the need to incentivize users and make the alternative modes of transportation more attractive. The authors suggest that involving non-transport providers and implementing a tendering authority could help address these challenges. Overall, the future of MaaS is uncertain and further research is needed. [Extracted from the article]

Private medicine retailers (PMRs) such as pharmacies and drug stores account for a substantial share of treatment-seeking for fever and malaria, but there are widespread concerns about quality of care, including inadequate access to malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) and artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs). This review synthesizes evidence on the effectiveness of interventions to improve malaria case management in PMRs in sub-Saharan Africa (PROSPERO #2021:CRD42021253564). We included quantitative studies evaluating interventions supporting RDT and/or ACT sales by PMR staff, with a historical or contemporaneous control group, and outcomes related to care received. We searched Medline Ovid, Embase Ovid, Global Health Ovid, Econlit Ovid and the Cochrane Library; unpublished studies were identified by contacting key informants. We conducted a narrative synthesis by intervention category. We included 41 papers, relating to 34 studies. There was strong evidence that small and large-scale ACT subsidy programmes (without RDTs) increased the market share of quality-assured ACT in PMRs, including among rural and poorer groups, with increases of over 30 percentage points in most settings. Interventions to introduce or enhance RDT use in PMRs led to RDT uptake among febrile clients of over two-thirds and dispensing according to RDT result of over three quarters, though some studies had much poorer results. Introducing Integrated Community Case Management (iCCM) was also effective in improving malaria case management. However, there were no eligible studies on RDT or iCCM implementation at large scale. There was limited evidence that PMR accreditation (without RDTs) increased ACT uptake. Key evidence gaps include evaluations of RDTs and iCCM at large scale, evaluations of interventions including use of digital technologies, and robust studies of accreditation and other broader PMR interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concept of microaggressions alerts us how majority group members' everyday behaviour can impact minorities negatively. Recently, some researchers have questioned the criteria for identifying microaggressions and rejected the concept's utility. We maintain that attending to minorities' everyday experiences is important and illustrate this through a three‐phase study with Roma in Hungary. First, we conducted interviews exploring their everyday interactional experiences (Phase 1, N = 17); second, Roma participants filmed (naturally occurring) interactions with majority group members (Phase 2, N = 10); third, we showed such filmed interactions to Roma focus groups and recorded their discussions (Phase 3, N = 28). Analysing these discussions, we focused on how the experience of surveillance when shopping (even when manifested in apparently helpful attention from shop assistants) impacted participants in ways that majority group members likely have little awareness of. Specifically, participants reported their need to (a) reflect on (and manage) their emotional reactions; (b) weigh a variety of strategic considerations as to how to respond; and (c) engage in in‐the‐moment interpretation as to the nature of the interaction. Such experiences negatively impact the use of public space and illustrate the value of adopting the minority's vantage point concerning the identification of microaggressive treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death for young adults (YA) in the USA, and driving under the influence of alcohol (DUIA), cannabis (DUIC), and simultaneous use of both substances (DUIAC) are prominent risk factors. Trends in YA impaired driving behaviors after opening of cannabis retail stores have been understudied. We examined YA trends in DUIA, DUIC, and DUIAC from immediately prior through 5 years following the opening of cannabis retail outlets in Washington State (2014–2019). Differences in trends were assessed across age, sex, and urbanicity. Weighted logistic regressions assessed yearly change in prevalence of DUIA, DUIC, and DUIAC from 2014 to 2019, using annual statewide data from the Washington Young Adult Health Survey (n = 12,963; ages 18–25). Moderation of trends by age, sex, and urbanicity was assessed. Prevalence of DUIA decreased overall (AOR = 0.93, 95% CI 0.90, 0.97) and among drinkers (AOR = 0.95, 95% CI 0.91, 0.99) but remained at concerning levels in 2019 (10% overall; 16% among drinkers). Overall DUIC did not change significantly (AOR = 0.99, 95% CI 0.96, 1.03; 11% by 2019) but decreased among those who used cannabis (AOR = 0.91, 95% CI 0.86, 0.96; 33% by 2019). DUIAC decreased but not significantly (overall: AOR = 0.89, 95% CI 0.78, 1.01; those who used alcohol and cannabis: AOR = 0.84, 95% CI 0.74, 1.04). Prevalence of YA DUI remained concerning. Trends may reflect some success in reducing DUI, but additional detection and prevention are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fish make up an essential component of daily diets due to their nutritional composition. In this study, formalin concentration in imported fish products in Bayelsa State, Nigeria, was undertaken. The effect of household heat processing treatments on the formalin concentrations, and the potential risk associated with consumption of these fish products, were evaluated. Fish products of different species were obtained from wholesale and retail outlets, and were prepared as raw, cooked, fried and smoked samples. Formalin was extracted from the prepared fish samples using a mixture of acetone and dichloromethane, and quantified using GC-MS. The average daily intake (ADI) of formalin was used to estimate potential health risk. Results showed low concentration of formalin in the raw fish samples, while heat processing treatments (frying and boiling) significantly elevated formalin concentrations. The formalin concentrations of heat processed fish samples with respect to the raw samples followed the order: smoked < raw < boiled < fried; and raw < smoked < boiled < fried for wholesale and retail products respectively. However, all formalin concentrations were below guideline values. The ADI of formalin were below established guideline values, suggesting that the intake of formalin in fish before and after household heat processing treatments may not pose significant risk to consumers of the imported frozen fish products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Affordability and availability of medicines is a growing global challenge for health-care systems. Access to medicines is recognized as an important determinant of treatment adherence. The access to glaucoma medicines and how it affects glaucoma management are not known. The purpose of this study was to determine the availability, affordability, and accessibility of topical intraocular pressure (IOP) -lowering eye drops in Haryana state of northern India using the World Health Organization (WHO)/ Health Action International (HAI) methods. Methods: A cross-sectional study was done to collect data on prices and availability of glaucoma topical medications in public and private sector pharmacies and retail outlets using the WHO/HAI methodology between October 2021 and January 2022. The availability and affordability of topical glaucoma medicines was determined. Comparison of the local price with international prices was done by calculating the median price ratio (MPR). Results: A total of 191 facilities were randomly sampled across 11 (n = 55) urban, 29 (n = 92) semi-urban, and 44 (n = 44) rural places during the study period. The availability of topical medication for glaucoma was low (35.7 ± 22.3) across all sampled sites and all classes of topical glaucoma medications. The median price of topical medication and availability were negatively correlated, Pearson's coefficient r (18) = -0.44, P 0.05, though the relationship was weak. A lowest paid, unskilled Indian government worker must spend between 15% and 203% of their daily wage to acquire a glaucoma medication. Conclusion: The availability and accessibility of topical glaucoma medications was low in this survey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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With a focus on seafood industries, this study provides a framework for economic contribution assessments, outlines Virginia's seafood supply chain components, and evaluates the direct, indirect, and induced economic impacts of Virginia's seafood industry in 2019. Utilizing an analysis-by-parts method in IMPLAN, primary expenditure data from watermen, aquaculture farmers, processors, and distributors were collected through surveys. The efficacy of obtaining primary data through stakeholder surveys heavily relies on the investigator's interpersonal skills to establish trust and elucidate the study's benefits, particularly its potential to inform policy decisions. In 2019, the Virginia seafood industry's estimated total economic contributions amounted to USD 1.1 billion, supporting 7187 individuals. This impact encompasses 6050 direct jobs, 523 indirect jobs, and 614 induced jobs, primarily benefiting watermen and coastal communities. Furthermore, the industry's influence extends beyond its immediate economic sphere, supporting diverse sectors such as polystyrene foam manufacturing, boat building, sporting and athletic goods, and commercial and industrial machinery. Wages and salaries disbursed throughout the seafood supply chain ripple to Virginia's economy, benefiting nondepository credit intermediation, owner-occupied dwellings, and real estate sectors. Future research focusing on seafood sales in restaurants and retail outlets will complete the understanding of the seafood industry's broader economic impact on the state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Factory outlets are known for providing affordable designer clothing and clothing of a higher caliber. Quick corporate growth and fierce rivalry among competitors impact a company's capacity to remain viable. This study investigated the roles that product quality, pricing, and marketing play in maintaining the viability of the factory outlet industry. According to the study's findings, dimensions such as product quality, pricing, and promotions all impact a factory outlet's ability to remain viable in the long run. To enhance sales of factory outlet items, product quality, pricing, and sales promotion are the key determinants in capturing the hearts of customers. Every business must rapidly decide on its price to advertise a good product or service. Additionally, it encourages factory outlets in Yogyakarta to enhance their capacities and plans to ensure their long-term viability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study examines how formal retail formats (FRFs), and informal retail formats (IRFs) may coexist as substitutes and complements in emerging markets because of store patronage driven by customers' chronic shopping orientations, and differences in salesperson consultation in the two retail formats. Design/methodology/approach: Using a shopping motivational orientation framework, we develop and test a moderated mediation model using survey data from 515 shoppers of formal and informal grocery retail outlets in India. Findings: While task-focused and experiential-focused shopping orientations influence both FRF and IRF patronage, store satisfaction mediates these relationships and crucially attenuates the negative impact of task-focused orientation on FRF patronage. Salesperson consultation moderates the mediating effects of satisfaction in the link between shopping orientation and patronage of both FRFs and IRFs. Research limitations/implications: The findings suggest that FRFs and IRFs could coexist as complements and substitutes when patronage is examined as repeated visits determined by shopping orientation, mediated by satisfaction and moderated by salesperson consultation. Practical implications: For FRFs and IRFs to be complements, both formats must prioritize their distinctive attributes that satisfy a consumer's chronic shopping orientation. Substitution depends on how both retail formats prioritize salesperson consultation and in-store characteristics that appeal to consumers' chronic orientation during specific shopping trips. Originality/value: Whilst FRFs must satisfy task-focused shoppers to compete with IRFs, salesperson consultation can inhibit such satisfaction. However, the extent of coexistence between FRFs and IRFs depends on how each format leverages salesperson consultation to enhance satisfaction of experiential-focused shoppers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of physical environment design (PED) and its antecedents on consumers' emotional well-being (EWB). Drawing on place identity and emotional theories, the study aims to provide a new perspective to retail store experiences. Design/methodology/approach: A survey of 800 respondents was conducted in London, out of which 764 responses were constructively used. The data was collected from international retail outlets, and structural equation modelling was used to analyse the data. Findings: The empirical results show that PED has a positive effect on consumers' EWB. Among the antecedents, visual identity does not have any significant effect on PED and EWB. In contrast, communication had a significant effect on PED but did not have any effect on EWB, and further, cultural heritage had a positive effect on both PED and EWB. Further, moderator analysis identifies the boundary conditions under which specific theories hold. Practical implications: The value of this paper lies in its potential to be used for creating the perfect design planning in retail stores. Significant implications for managers and researchers are highlighted. Originality/value: This paper presents an innovative approach to develop the principles of retail store's PED to support the EWB of consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study used whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and bioinformatics analysis for the genomic characterization of 60 isolates of Listeria monocytogenes obtained from the beef production chain (cattle farms, abattoirs, and retail outlets) in Gauteng province, South Africa. The sequence types (STs), clonal complexes (CCs), and the lineages of the isolates were determined using in silico multilocus sequence typing (MLST). We used BLAST-based analyses to identify virulence and antimicrobial genes, plasmids, proviruses/prophages, and the CRISPR-Cas system. The study investigated any association of the detected genes to the origin in the beef production chain of the L. monocytogenes isolates. Overall, in 60 isolates of Listeria monocytogenes, there were seven STs, six CCs, forty-four putative virulence factors, two resistance genes, one plasmid with AMR genes, and three with conjugative genes, one CRISPR gene, and all 60 isolates were positive for proviruses/prophages. Among the seven STs detected, ST204 (46.7%) and ST2 (21.7%) were the most prominent, with ST frequency varying significantly (p < 0.001). The predominant CC detected were CC2 (21.7%) and CC204 (46.7%) in lineages I and II, respectively. Of the 44 virulence factors detected, 26 (across Listeria Pathogenicity Islands, LIPIs) were present in all the isolates. The difference in the detection frequency varied significantly (p < 0.001). The two AMR genes (fosX and vga(G)) detected were present in all 60 (100%) isolates of L. monocytogenes. The only plasmid, NF033156, was present in three (5%) isolates. A CRISPR-Cas system was detected in six (10%), and all the isolates carried proviruses/prophages. The source and sample type significantly affected the frequencies of STs and virulence factors in the isolates of L. monocytogenes. The presence of fosX and vga(G) genes in all L. monocytogenes isolates obtained from the three industries of the beef production chain can potentially cause therapeutic implications. Our study, which characterized L. monocytogenes recovered from the three levels in the beef production chain, is the first time genomics was performed on this type of data set in the country, and this provides insights into the health implications of Listeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There have been calls for more research to investigate the sociocultural context of retail food environments. This paper examines how a segment of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, residents described convenience stores (CS) in their local retail food environments. 84 social media discussions from Ottawa residents pertaining to their local retail food outlets were qualitatively analyzed, and three themes were formulated: 1) CS are interchangeable, 2) CS are not 'real stores,' and 3) CS are dangerous retail food outlets. We argue that these social constructions of CS have implications for healthy food environments and offer suggestions for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of our study was to ensure that comparing the mineral content of the lentil and the amount of nutrients published by the world's leading organizations. The samples were randomly and subjectively selected from different retail outlets. Fifteen types of medium seed brown lentil from fifteen different distributors were obtained and analyzed for moisture, protein, Na, K, Ca, Mg, P, Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn, and S content. Descriptive statistics were done and for comparisons. Shapiro–Wilk test was first conducted to assess normality. When data followed a normal distribution, T-test was used, and when not, Wilcoxon signed rank test (P-values = 0.05). The results of the measurements were compared with data from several FAO/INFOODS food composition databases, as well as the Canadian National Food Composition Database, USDA Food Data Central, United Kingdom, Australian Food Composition Database, and Indian food composition tables. The evaluation of the measurement results showed significant differences (p = 0.05) in the amount of Na, K, Ca, Mg, P, Fe, and Cu compared to the amounts listed in the world's leading databases in most cases. Our results were also examined from a dietary perspective to determine if the differences had practical significance. The results of the Canadian samples were compared with the Canadian database, there was a significant difference amount of Na, K, Ca, Mg, P, Fe, Cu, and Mn. For each discrepancy, more than the quantitative values published in the databases were measured, in the case of Ca, Mg, and Fe almost double. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii) is a popular clinical pathogen worldwide. Biofilm-associated antibiotic-resistant A. baumannii infection poses a great threat to human health. Bacteria in biofilms are highly resistant to antibiotics and disinfectants. Furthermore, inhibition or eradication of biofilms in husbandry, the food industry and clinics are almost impossible. Phages can move across the biofilm matrix and promote antibiotic penetration. In the present study, a lytic A. baumannii phage vB_AbaM-SHI, belonging to family Straboviridae, was isolated from sauce chop factory drain outlet in Wuxi, China. The DNA genome consists of 44,180 bp which contain 93 open reading frames, and genes encoding products morphogenesis are located at the end of the genome. The amino acid sequence of vB_AbaM-SHI endolysin is different from those of previously reported A. baumannii phages in NCBI. Phage vB_AbaM-SHI endolysin has two additional b strands due to the replacement of a lysine (K) (in KU510289.1, NC_041857.1, JX976549.1 and MH853786.1) with an arginine (R) (SHI) at position 21 of A. baumannii phage endolysin. Spot test showed that phage vB_AbaM-SHI is able to lyse some antibiotic-resistant bacteria, such as A. baumannii (SL, SL1, and SG strains) and E. coli BL21 strain. Additionally, phage vB_AbaM-SHI independently killed bacteria and inhibited bacterial biofilm formation, and synergistically exerted strong antibacterial effects with antibiotics. This study provided a new perspective into the potential application value of phage vB_AbaM-SHI as an antimicrobial agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drug retail outlets are mushrooming and when it comes, the need to stock up drugs for the society. Many drugstores are in a quandary as to how much they must stock up to meet the patients requirements. The study was conducted to determine which factors were found to responsible or most needed when it came to stocking up medicines. The factors selected were demand for the product, storage conditions, supplier reliability, storage capacity, capacity to pay the suppliers and expiries of drugs. Around 300 retailers and their staff from various drugstores around Goa were selected by a convenience sampling method. The results were as follows; demand for the product was ranked as number one, followed by capacity to pay the supplier, expiries of the drug, storage capacity, storage conditions and supplier reliability. Pearson's coefficient of correlation was also conducted wherein two above variables were checked for correlation. It was found that there was a high positive correlation between capacity to pay the supplier and demand for the product. Secondly there was a medium positive correlation between capacity to pay the supplier and storage capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerous stores have established and expanded their private label apparels. Retailers are now offering private labels under their own names in their respective stores as an alternative to well-known brands. Previous research indicates that consumers depend less on external cues when they are more familiar with private labels. Specifically, the present study examines whether familiarity with private label apparels helps in influencing consumer purchase intention. A simple linear regression approach was employed to examine the proposed hypothesis with a purposive sample of 400 consumers who purchased private label apparels from different retail outlets. The results indicate that familiarity has a direct and positive influence on consumer purchase intention; however, the effect is small. This indicates that consumers focus on other aspects besides familiarity when making purchasing decisions, regardless of whether they are familiar with private label apparels or not. The findings can help retailers take steps to increase consumer familiarity with private label apparels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Previous studies have found that tobacco retailers cluster near schools. However, all retail outlets may be located near each other and near schools due to existing infrastructure and zoning policies. We assessed whether tobacco retailers cluster near schools in the United States more than expected when accounting for existing retail locations. Aims and Methods We identified 322 056 probable tobacco retailers, 95 110 public schools, and more than 3.8 million businesses comparable to tobacco retailers in land use and business type. We created 500 simulated tobacco retailer datasets by randomly selecting from the larger list of businesses. For each simulated dataset, we calculated the distance from schools to the nearest tobacco retailer (proximity) and the count of tobacco retailers within 800 m of schools (density). Observed proximity and density values were compared to 95% coverage intervals from the 500 simulations. We stratified analyses by urbanicity, percentage of students in the free and reduced-priced lunch program (FRLP), and percentage of Hispanic/Latino, non-Hispanic Black, and non-Hispanic white students. Results Tobacco retailers were closer to schools in rural areas, cities, and towns and more dense around schools in rural areas, cities, and suburbs compared to random locations in potential retail space. Schools with more students receiving FRLP had higher density than expected while schools with fewer students receiving FRLP had lower density than expected. Within rural areas, clustering did not vary across sociodemographic groups. Within non-rural areas, there were inequities in clustering by racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic school composition. Conclusions Tobacco retailers cluster near schools after accounting for existing business patterns. There are inequities in clustering by sociodemographic school composition. Implications This study provides compelling evidence that tobacco retailers cluster near US public schools and that there are racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic inequities in clustering, even when accounting for overall retail location patterns. Given that public schools tend to reflect neighborhood demographics, policies to limit tobacco retailers near schools may reduce both school-based and neighborhood-based inequities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Video observation is fundamental for guaranteeing public well-being and security in different environments such as air terminals, train stations, retail outlets, and local residential locations. Existing video examination techniques face significant restrictions and difficulties, like low precision, high computational intricacy, and restricted flexibility to evolving environmental conditions. To address these difficulties, this paper proposes an original way to deal with improving video examination for distant observation by consolidating progressed object location, following and following behavioural algorithms into a unified structure. Faster deep learning object detection Algorithms like R-CNN, YOLO, and SSD are used here to precisely recognize and restrict objects of interest in surveillance videos. We investigated a few benchmark datasets and contrasted their presentation and cutting-edge techniques. The outcomes show that the proposed approach beats existing precision, strength, and efficiency strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tokay geckos are one of the most heavily traded species internationally, largely to supply demand for use in traditional Chinese medicine. Tokay geckos are largely sourced from the wild. While there is a legal trade, illegal collection from the wild as well as laundering through fraudulent captive-breeding operations is common. Very little is known of the status of this species in the wild, though it is understood to be in decline in some parts of its range. Hong Kong is an important destination for tokay geckos in trade, and here, we assessed the availability, reported origin, and monetary value of tokay geckos in Hong Kong's retail market. We surveyed 150 shops and found 220 tokay gecko pairs in 37% of all shops. We estimate that on average 15,000 tokay geckos are offered for sale in Hong Kong on any given day. The mean price of a tokay gecko pair is USD12, and the total retail value of the tokay geckos observed approaches USD180,000. Tokay geckos for sale in Hong Kong are said to be sourced from mainland China, Vietnam, and Thailand, and not from Indonesia despite Indonesia being the world's largest exporter of tokay geckos. However, recent seizures in Hong Kong were from Indonesia. Despite shop staff stating tokay geckos were from Vietnam, there are no such reports in the CITES Trade Database. Tokay geckos are clearly being obtained from a combination of legal and illegal sources, and therefore increased vigilance and further investigation is called for to prevent illegal trade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study investigated the antecedents influencing purchase intentions of sustainable luxury products using the stimulus-organism-response (S-O-R) model. Design/methodology/approach: The data were collected from 513 participants through surveys about recent purchases of sustainable luxury products. As part of this study, the authors visited luxury retail outlets in Hyderabad, Mumbai and Chennai, and AMOS version 23 was used to analyze the data. Findings: Consumer trust and attitude (organism) are positively influenced by utilitarian, hedonic, epistemic, social and self-image (SEI) stimuli. Consumer trust and attitude (organism) have a significant impact on sustainable luxury purchase intention (response). In addition, escapism (ESC) moderated the organism–response relationship. Practical implications: As a result of the findings regarding utilitarian, hedonistic, epistemic, social and SI aspects of luxury brands, practitioners can develop sustainable marketing strategies that will promote luxury brands. Originality/value: This study contributes to the existing literature by examining the moderating role of entertainment (ENT) and ESC in the S-O-R model in terms of antecedents influencing the purchase intention of sustainable luxury products. Furthermore, this new model contributes by providing a deeper understanding of sustainable luxury shoppers' intentions in India through analyzing purchase intentions for sustainable luxury products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The solid transportation problem (STP) is a three-dimensional optimization problem concerned with minimizing total costs while meeting supply and demand limitations by utilizing a variety of transportation modes, referred to as conveyances. This study examines the application of the STP to a logistic problem related to the milk distribution problem. Here, the goal is to efficiently deliver milk from a production facility to multiple retail outlets, considering both the cost of transportation and time of delivery as the two primary objectives of the solid transportation problem. Hence, the bi-objective solid transportation problem (BOSTP) is solved, supposing its constraints are fuzzy due to various unpredictable factors during the transportation period. These uncertain values are initially de-fuzzified into the equivalent crisp values using the α-cut approach. Later, the STP is solved with single objectives at once using Vogel's approximation method. This mathematical model is then formulated to optimize the total transportation cost and time and solved using the hierarchical order goal programming technique to determine the most cost-effective and time-efficient route. The results show that the hierarchical order goal programming technique minimizes the total transportation cost and time while improving the effectiveness of milk distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To explore store-specific grocery shopping patterns and assess associations with the objective and perceived retail food environment (RFE). Design: This cross-sectional study used principal component analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis to identify grocery shopping patterns and logistic regression models to assess their associations with the RFE, while adjusting for household characteristics. Setting: The Montpellier Metropolitan Area, France. Participants: To be eligible for inclusion, participants had to be 18 years of age or older and reside in the Montpellier Metropolitan Area. Analyses were carried out on 415 households. Results: Households of cluster 'Supermarket' (49 % of households) primarily shopped at supermarkets and were less likely to live near a convenience store. Households of cluster 'Diversified' (18 %) shopped mostly at organic stores, at markets, at specialised stores, and from producers and were more likely to have a market in their activity space. Households of cluster 'Discount' (12 %) primarily shopped at discounters and were less likely to perceive a producer in their activity space. Households of cluster 'Convenience' (12 %) mostly shopped online or in convenience stores. Finally, households of cluster 'Specialized' (9 %) had high expenditures in greengrocers and in other specialised food stores and were more likely to live near a specialised food store. Conclusions: This study highlighted the importance of considering both perceived and objective RFE indicators, as well as assessments around the home and in activity space. Understanding how people buy food and interact with their RFE is crucial for policymakers seeking to improve urban food policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work was carried out to evaluate the microbiological quality of deboned turkey meat from the retail outlets in Gharbia province via determination of Aerobic bacterial count (ABC), coliforms count (CC) and isolation and identification of Salmonella, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli So, this study was carried out on a total of 100 sample of deboned turkey meat including Breast muscle and Thigh muscle of turkey samples (50 of each) that, were collected from local markets of Tanta University Garbia province –Egypt. All samples were transported without delay in a frozen state to the laboratory of animal health research institute – Tanta. Samples were subjected to bacteriological investigations. it was recorded that total bacterial counts showed a higher level of aerobic plate counts showed a higher level of total aerobic plate count observed in Thigh muscle (5.9×109 ) than the Breast muscle (2.5×106 ), While, the coliforms count showed a higher mean level observed in Thigh muscle (9.9×106) than the Breast muscle (2.8×105),The Salmonella counts showed a higher incidences observed in Breast muscle (18 %) than the Thigh muscle (12 %), The Escherichia coli counts showed the higher incidences of Escherichia coli count observed in thigh muscle (16 %) than the breast muscle (12 %). While the higher level of Staphylococcus aureus counts observed in Thigh muscle (16 %) than the Breast muscle (12 %). While present results on the PCR results cleared that, the PCR for detection of Escherichia coli the Photograph of agarose gel electrophoresis of multiplex PCR Gave positive results for stx1 at (614 bp), stx2 at (779 bp) and for eaeA (890 bp) genes for characterization of Enteropathogenic Escherichiacoli. The higher incidences of Enteroppathogenic Escherichia Coli genes observed in stx1 (4 %) followed by stx2 (5 %) and eae A gene (1 %), While, the PCR results of Salmonella Spp cleared that, the agarose gel electrophoresis of multiplex PCR cleared that, the gene for salmonellae includes stn (260 bp), hilA (497 bp) and fimH (1008 bp) virulence genes for characterization of Salmonella species. The genes responsible for pathogenicity of salmonellae includes stn observed in (3 %) of examined samples, followed by hilA (4 %) and fimH 85 %) of examined samples. While our results on the Staphylococcus aureus cleared that, the Photograph of agarose gel electrophoresis of multiplex PCR of genes responsible for pathogenicity of Escherichia coli includes sea (120 bp), seb (478 bp), sec (257 bp) and sed (317 bp) enterotoxin genes for characterization of S. aureus. The lanes of positive Staphylococcus aureus strains gave positive results for sea gene, seb gene, sec and sed genes. This study concluded that turkey meat possess a higher number of microorganisms like Salmonella, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli. Also, the presence of Salmonella, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli in turkey meat products may be due to unsanitary conditions, cross-contamination and post-processing contamination during handling, packaging, storage, distribution and selling on the other hand application of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point System (HACCP) which control the technological line of the production at all points from the farm to table to produce a safe product fit for human consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Despite the extensive stimulus–organism–response (SOR) literature, little attention has been paid to the role of marketing activity as a key environmental stimulus, and there is a dearth of research examining the interplay between emotions and cognition on consumer behaviour, as well as the sequential effects of emotions on cognition. To address these gaps, this study aims to develop a revised SOR model by incorporating Kahneman's fast and slow thinking theory to investigate the impulse buying of affordable luxury fashion (ALF). Design/methodology/approach: The authors use outlet stores at Bicester village (BV) in England as the research context for ALF shopping. Partial least squares structural equation modelling was used to analyse a survey sample of 633 consumers with a BV shopping experience. Findings: The authors find that impulse buying of ALF arises from the interplay of emotional and cognitive factors, as well as a sequential and dual process involving in-store stimuli affecting on-site emotion and in-store browsing. Research limitations/implications: This study reveals that brand connection has a significant and negative influence on the relationship between on-site emotion and in-store browsing, advancing the SOR paradigm and reflecting the interactive effect of human emotion and reasoning on the impulse buying of ALF items. Practical implications: Insights into consumers' impulse buying offer practical implications for luxury brand management, specifically for ALF outlet retailers and store managers. Originality/value: The results suggest a robust sequential effect of on-site emotion towards in-store browsing on impulse buying, providing updated empirical support for Kahneman's theory of System 1 and System 2 thinking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High prices of organic food are the main obstacle to the growth of the demand for organic food. This study's main objective was to quantify the size of the gap between consumers' willingness to pay more for organic food and the actual price premiums for organic food in Poland. Therefore, a two-step research study was undertaken. In order to identify barriers to the growth of organic food consumption and the perception of organic food prices, a survey based on an online questionnaire of 516 respondents was conducted. To determine price premiums of organic food, prices of organic and conventional food were quoted in 45 retail outlets offering organic and conventional food located in the Poznań agglomeration between October 2022 and June 2023. This research demonstrated a low acceptance of the high prices of organic food among consumers (only 14% of the investigated consumers were willing to pay more than 40% for organic food). On the other hand, the price premiums ranged between 35% and over 270%. To reduce the divergence, the measures supporting organic market development should be intensified with the simultaneous further involvement of supermarket chains. Along with these activities, the promotion of organic food ought to be carried out, considering that, as this research shows, men have fewer positive perceptions of organic food and, therefore, they should be targeted in the promotion measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article shows how autoethnographic vignettes can be used as a reflexive tool to problematize the power relations in which organizational ethnographers participate when doing and representing their fieldwork. Foucault's analysis of the ethical self-formation process provides the impetus to explore the embodied experiences of my autoethnographic study of a cooperative retail outlet in New York. In questioning how power and knowledge reflexively generated my actions and interpretations, I frame this autoethnography as a means of critically reflecting on my own practice as a researcher. By writing about our own embodied interactions with others through discourses that constitute our experiences, we begin to understand how power is exercised in practice. I conclude by discussing the practical benefits for researchers of writing autoethnographic vignettes and, in particular, for doctoral students seeking to become qualitative researchers in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Empirical data to show whether exposure to e-cigarette advertising stimuli may influence former- and never-smokers to consider vaping is lacking. We examined whether former- and never-smokers' cognitive, affective, and normative responses to e-cigarette stimuli in retail outlets will predict their vaping intention. A repeat cross-sectional study recruited 876 participants aged 18–24 years at Waves 1 and 2 in the United Kingdom. Bayesian structural equation modeling tested mediation and moderation effects of the variables of interest. Results from Waves 1 and 2 revealed that the association of salience of e-cigarette advertising in stores and gas stations with vaping intention was mediated by affect and subjective norms among former smokers. Cognitive attitudes of never smokers mediated the relationship between salience of e-cigarette advertising in retail outlets and vaping intention at Waves 1 and 2. Former smokers were more likely to hold stronger affect toward vaping than never smokers at Wave 2. Our study supports the need for stronger policies to restrict e-cigarette portrayals in retail outlets, as advertising messages can trigger strong thoughts, feelings, and norms of vaping. Interventions may benefit from including attitudinal and normative components to promote pro-social behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PAHs are hazardous chemicals associated to cancer and other health concerns that endanger food safety. This study aimed at Assessment of PAHs content in singed ruminant hides and skins sold in retail outlets within seven major abattoirs of North-western Nigeria. Concentration of PAHs was investigated on 96 singed and unsigned hides and skins samples using Gas-Chromatograph Mass-Spectrometer-detector (GC-MSD). The cattle and camel hides had higher frequency of PAH occurrence. Acenaphthene ng/kg (5.07 ± 4.44) and (3.80 ± 4.73) exhibited the highest PAHs concentrations and was detected in singed camel hides. Chrysene (0.02 ± 0.00 ng/kg) is the only PAH found in unsigned (control) samples and was seen in cattle hide. Additionally, Naphthalene, Indeno [1,2,3.c.d] pyrene and Chrysene linked to cancer were detected. However, all singed PAHs did not exceed EU maximum permissible limit (12 µg/kg) 12,000 ng/kg. Singeing significantly elevated (P < 0.05) PAHs concentration in ruminant hides and skins. Hence, singed ruminant hides and skins from North-western Nigeria are to a large extend safe for consumption. However, perpetual patronage of singed ruminant hides and skins needs to be discouraged to abate public health concerns in the long run. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contaminated meat has been implicated in many cases of foodborne illness and poses serious challenges in developing countries. This study aimed to assess the quality and safety of raw beef meat in Assosa Town. The finding showed that the mean of Aerobic mesophilic bacteria (AMB) and S. aureus at retail outlets was 5.04 log10cfu/g and 3.84 log10cfu/g; 4.03 log10cfu/g and 3.5 log10cfu/g at slaughterhouse, respectively. The microbial load range of AMB at the butcher shop was 2.49-5.16 log10 cfu/g, while at the abattoir it was 2.75-7.52 log10 cfu/g out of 70 raw beef meat analyzed samples. Similar to this, the butcher shop and abattoir had S. aureus microbiological load ranges of 2.74 - 4.84 log10 cfu/g and 2.71-4.72 log10 cfu/g, respectively. In contrast, 25.7% and 34.3% of the samples in the abattoir and retail shop, respectively, were contaminated with Salmonella sp. For S. aureus, just 38.71% and 17.14%, respectively, of the samples at the retail and butcher shops were satisfactory. AMB found that 80% of the examined samples from butcher shops and 57.7% from abattoirs were satisfactory. Due to poor handling and environmental hygiene procedures by Assosa Town butchers, 77.1% of the meat contact surface and 82.9% of the carcass were exposed to flies. On the other hand, only 5.7%, 28.6%, and 22.9% of the butchers kept the carcass in the refrigerator, and wore gowns and hairnets, respectively. In slaughterhouses, the majority of respondents (87.5%) concur that there were certain challenges in achieving slaughtering in the working environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to measure service quality of Domino's in Panvel Region. Dominos is one of the oldest & finest fast food restaurants since the 1960s. Dominos pizza is most preferred by the customers. The retail franchise outlet of dominos, on the Forbes Private 500 list, Domino's has the position of the 200th largest private firm. In addition to specialty items like flavored crust pizzas, Domino's offers a wide range of 'pizza products, including pan, thin-crust and deep-dish pizzas'. Here the primary & Secondary method is used for data collection for the research. A Structured Questionnaire was prepared to collect data from the respondents for the analysis. It is observed that Paired Sample T-test ( Perceived & Expected Mean ) and Reliability Analysis is used for scale data. Resulting into P-value 0.971 which indicates that scale data is quite reliable and reductant. factors like "Reliability, Price & Usage, Assurance, Ambience, Empathy" etc are used to measure service quality of Domino's in Panvel Region. It is concluded that variables like Convenient staff, order & Management systems, location, cleanliness proves no significant difference between expected and perceived mean of service quality of Dominos in Panvel Region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Disinfectants purchased from retail outlets form the cornerstone of infection control and prevention within the domestic household. The growing utilisation of the concept of "hospital-at-home" places greater emphasis on domestic disinfection by the householder in helping to prevent the acquisition of infections within the home. No reports or data exist that indicate how readable the information provided on disinfectants is, which would help householders use disinfectants optimally. The aim of this study was therefore to quantitatively examine the readability (Flesch Reading Ease; Flesch–Kinkaid Grade Level; text metrics) of consumer (public)-facing information (n = 108) of domestic household disinfectants sourced from (i) UK high street supermarket chains (n = 4) and (ii) disinfectant manufacturers (n = 6). The readability of all supermarket and manufacturer information (n = 108) gave a mean Flesch Reading Ease score of 51.7 (target ≥ 60) and a Flesch–Kinkaid Grade Level score of 8.1 (target ≤ 8), thereby failing to achieve readability reference target values. Authors preparing information on the domestic use of disinfectants should be aware of the value of quantitative readability metrics and online tools to help support their writing of such information in order to produce materials which are within target readability values, thereby further supporting health literacy in this population and disinfectant efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bread is the staple food in many parts of the world. Like other foods, bread can contain mycotoxins resulting from microbial development throughout the supply chain (from field to table). In this study, baguette-style bread from small artisanal bakeries (direct) and supermarkets (par-baked loaves made by large companies) in Castile and Leon (Spain) was analyzed. Both white and whole-grain breads were collected from all retail outlets. The mycotoxins analyzed included deoxynivalenol (DON), ochratoxin (OTA), and aflatoxin B1 and B2 (AFB1, AFB2). All of the bread samples studied had mycotoxin levels below the maximum limits established by legislation. The presence of DON was higher than that of OTA, and AFB1 and AFB2 could not be quantified. Industrial breads had higher levels of DON and OTA (only in the whole-grain breads) compared to artisanal breads. However, no significant differences were found between white and industrial breads beyond those mentioned above. These results demonstrate that the established control chains ensure low mycotoxin content in bread of this type. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Golden Grains was a Chennai-based industrial bakery producing large volumes of bread, cakes, and confectionary items for sale to contract manufacturers and retail outlets. An emphasis on being a localized city brand and contract manufacturer made its business model unique among the brand- and market-focused competition. A city-market bakery's challenge was to ensure freshness, availability, and financial viability in a low-margin and operationally intensive industry. The operations management challenges included production planning, deciding the optimal product mix, and establishing an operational plan to ensure profitability and effective cost management of resources. Investor anxiety due to poor financial performance required top management to turn the business around, but identifying a product mix and implementation plan that satisfied operational needs while dramatically improving operating margins would not be easy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted within 2 months by sampling chicken batches from a broiler farm, a plant processing plant, and supermarket retail. The overall frequency of isolation of Salmonella was 50% (16/32), 17.5% (7/40), and 40% (4/10) for the samples collected from the broiler farm, processing plant, and retail outlet, respectively. Serovar Infantis was the predominantly isolated serovar at the 3 sampling sites. Resistance genes aac(3)IV, aph(4)Ia, blaCTX-M65, and qacEdelta1 were detected in 84.6% (11/13) of the isolates subjected to whole genome sequencing. S. Infantis strains were clustered within and across the 3 sampling sites. This study demonstrates a direct measure of the transmission dynamics of Salmonella during a farm-to-fork approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is low commercial availability of goat meat in retail outlets such as supermarkets and butcheries due to the limited supply and cultural beliefs in many nations of the world, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. This study aimed to find potential customers for goat meat if it were made readily available in retail outlets. Two hundred respondents from cities and towns (Port Elizabeth, East London, Mthatha, King's Williams town, Grahamstown, Alice, Butherwotth, Fort Beaufort, Queenstown, Craddock, Adelaide, Port Alfred, Stutterheim, and Peddie) in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, were randomly selected and interviewed using structured Google form questionnaires. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests. Participants answered questions about goat meat consumption in relation to other meats. Factors limiting the consumption of goat meat were also investigated. About 66% of respondents had positive views of goat meat, while 23.5% were neutral. Only 10.5 % had unfavourable views concerning goat meat. The availability of goat meat in the market was the most limiting factor for 60% of the respondents, while 15% said price was their limiting factor. Other factors limiting goat meat consumption were personal preferences, religion, aversion to testing, price of goat meat, aversion to smell, and fattiness, with 15%, 9%, 6.5%, 5%, 4%, and 0.5% of respondents, respectively. About 46% of the total respondents preferred goat meat from a supermarket or butchery, and only 6.5% preferred vendors. Only 26% preferred live goats, while 61.5% preferred a portion of meat from slaughtered goats. The chi-square test also revealed a significant association (P<0.05) between attitude/view of goat meat consumption with gender (0.00), age (0.001), nationality (0.027) and ethnicity (0.041). However, the association between attitudes/views towards goat meat consumption and small households (0.262) or religion (0.142) was not significant (P>0.05). Although demand for goat meat is expected to rise as people receive more information on nutritional benefits and cooking methods, it could be concluded that consumers are willing to consume it and that there is market potential for it as a major store product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider an e‐tailer's upstream supplier who wants to encroach into retailing to earn additional revenue. The supplier needs to decide whether or not to enter the retail market by either selling to consumers on the e‐tailer's platform by paying commission fees (agency encroachment) or opening an independent online/offline retail store (direct encroachment). The e‐tailer has private demand information and decides whether or not to share it with the supplier. Two leadership scenarios—the supplier‐leads (i.e., the supplier selects the channel before the e‐tailer decides whether to share information) and the e‐tailer‐leads (i.e., the supplier selects the channel after the e‐tailer decides whether to share information)—are examined. Our main findings are as follows. First, we show that the e‐tailer has no incentive to share information under no encroachment and direct encroachment. Interestingly, this result holds in both leadership scenarios. Second, a medium commission rate gives rise to an equilibrium of agency encroachment with information sharing by the e‐tailer. This equilibrium is more likely to sustain in the supplier‐leads scenario than in the e‐tailer‐leads scenario. Third, agency encroachment brings the supplier the highest sales volume (at retail in the encroaching channel plus on wholesale to the e‐tailer) when the two parties compete in quantity while direct encroachment does so for a price competition. Fourth, supplier encroachment always improves consumer surplus, but it is not necessarily welfare‐improving. Last, we find that the e‐tailer is more willing to share information to induce the supplier to encroach through his agency channel if he has a significant selling cost advantage over the supplier or can endogenously determine the commission rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Overstock reduction methods offer important marketing signals that may affect consumer brand perceptions. In particular, some overstock reduction methods create disposal-based scarcity, that is, product scarcity resulting from reductions of unsold stock. Three experimental studies reveal distinct effects of incineration, which completely destroys the product, compared with methods that are less destructive, such as recycling, donating, or discounting through factory outlets. Achieving disposal scarcity through destruction ultimately damages consumer brand evaluations. In contrast, recycling, donating, and discounting methods, along with indicating a lack of brand overstock, can enhance brand evaluations. Communicating sold-out stock does not translate into such beneficial effects. These varied effects of different overstock reduction methods are mediated by perceptions of exclusivity, popularity, and wastefulness. Furthermore, the mediating effect of perceived wastefulness in the link between overstock reduction methods and brand evaluations is moderated by self–brand connection but not by perceived brand luxuriousness. This article thus integrates literature on scarcity, branding, wastefulness, and disposal behavior to identify a distinct type of scarcity and the conditions in which it has more positive or negative effects on brand perceptions and evaluations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Malaria prevalence in Kenya is 6%, with a three-fold higher prevalence in western Kenya. Adherence to malaria treatment guidelines improves care for suspected malaria cases and can reduce unnecessary anti-malarial use. Data on adherence to guidelines in retail drug outlets (DOs) is limited, yet approximately 50% of people with fever access treatment first in these outlets. This study assessed adherence to the national malaria treatment guidelines among DOs in a high transmission area of Western Kenya. Methods: In a cross-sectional survey of DOs in Kisumu Central and Seme sub-counties in 2021, DO staff were interviewed using structured questionnaires to assess outlet characteristics (location, testing services), staff demographics (age, sex, training), and health system context (supervision, inspection). Mystery shoppers (research assistants disguised as clients) observed malaria management practices and recorded observations on a standardized tool. Adherence was defined as dispensing artemether-lumefantrine (AL) to patients with a confirmed positive test, accompanied by appropriate medication counseling. Logistic regression was used to test for association between adherence to guidelines and DO-related factors. Results: None of the 70 DOs assessed had a copy of the guidelines, and 60 (85.7%) were in an urban setting. Staff adhered to the guidelines in 14 (20%) outlets. The odds of adherence were higher among staff who had a bachelor's degree {odds ratio (OR) 6.0, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.66–21.74}, those trained on malaria rapid diagnostic test (RDT) {OR 4.4, 95% CI 1.29–15.04}, and those who asked about patient's symptoms {OR 3.6, 95% CI 1.08–12.25}. DOs that had higher odds of adherence included those with functional thermometers {OR 5.3, 95% CI 1.46–19.14}, those recently inspected (within three months) by Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) {OR 9.4, 95% CI 2.55–34.67}, and those with all basic infrastructure {OR 3.9, 95% CI 1.01–15.00}. On logistic regression analysis, recent PPB inspection {adjusted OR (AOR) 4.6, 95% CI 1.03–20.77} and malaria RDT-trained staff (aOR 4.5, 95% CI 1.02–19.84) were independently associated with adherence. Conclusion: Most outlets didn't adhere to malaria guidelines. Regular interaction with regulatory bodies could improve adherence. Ministry of Health should enhance private sector engagement and train DOs on RDT use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study determined the prevalence, risk factors, and molecular characteristics of Listeria species detected in beef and beef products sampled in Mpumalanga province, South Africa. Four hundred beef and beef products were collected from 30 retail outlets in three districts (Bronkhorstspruit, Emalahleni, and Middelburg) within the province. Standard bacteriological and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays were used in the study. The overall prevalence of L. monocytogenes and other Listeria spp. in the samples was 8.3% (33/400) and 30% (120/400) (p <.05), respectively. For the five variables investigated, statistically significant effects were evident only for the region (p <.001) and type of product (p <.0001) for L. monocytogenes, the type of outlet (p =.011) and the type of product (p <.0001) for Listeria spp. Of the 20 types of beef and beef products tested, 15 (75%) and 17 (85%) were contaminated by L. monocytogenes and Listeria spp., respectively (p =.429). Among the four categories of products tested, the prevalence of L. monocytogenes was 7.3% (8/109), 10.6% (11/104), 7.5% (8/106), and 7.4% (6/81) for raw beef, ready‐to‐eat (RTE) products, milled beef, and offal & organs, respectively (p >.799). Among the 33 L. monocytogenes isolates, PCR genoserogroup IIa (42.4%, 1/2a‐3a) was most frequently detected. All (100%) of the isolates carried one or more of the eight virulence‐associated genes assessed, with genes inlC and inlJ detected in all the isolates. The overall prevalence of L. monocytogenes (8.3%) and the high frequency of virulent serogroups of L. monocytogenes commonly associated with human listeriosis pose a food safety risk to consumers of beef and beef‐based products contaminated by L. monocytogenes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]